Far-Infrared Radiation to Improve Clinical Outcomes after Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Prospective Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• The effectiveness of far-infrared radiation (FIR) following rotator cuff repair remains underexplored.
• Postoperative pain and limited range of motion (ROM) are common challenges after rotator cuff surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of postoperative FIR application on early pain, ROM, and tendon-to-bone healing after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.
• To determine if FIR therapy can facilitate pain-free rehabilitation.

Main Methods:

• A prospective comparative study involving 64 patients with small- to medium-sized rotator cuff tears undergoing arthroscopic repair.
• Patients were randomized into an FIR group (n=31) receiving daily FIR treatment for 10 weeks and a control group (n=33).
• Clinical outcomes including pain (visual analog scale), ROM, and functional scores were evaluated at various postoperative intervals, alongside ultrasonography and MRI for healing assessment.

Main Results:

• Both groups showed improvements in clinical and functional outcomes up to 6 months post-surgery.
• The FIR group experienced significantly lower pain scores at 5 weeks and 3 months postoperatively compared to the control group (p=0.002 and p=0.041, respectively).
• No significant differences were observed between the groups in ROM, functional scores, or rotator cuff healing rates at any follow-up point.

Conclusions:

• Postoperative FIR application is a safe and effective method for reducing pain in the early stages after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.
• FIR therapy may promote a more comfortable rehabilitation process by alleviating postoperative pain.
• Further research may explore optimal FIR parameters for enhanced functional recovery and healing outcomes.